Though the gaming world is currently focused on the new Xbox One and PS4, Valve's Steam Machine is still in the works, and third-party hardware developer iBuyPower has unveiled a $499 Steam Box prototype.

For the same price as the Xbox One, iBuyPower's system - expected next year - will come with a multicore AMD CPU and a discrete AMD Radeon R9 270 graphics card, along with Valve's Steam Controller, according to Engadget.

iBuyPower did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment, but the company told Engadget that it will launch two models, codenamed Gordon and Freeman, that are identical except for the light bar cutting through the center  one is clear, while the other remains black when not lit up.

Without revealing much in the way of details, iBuyPower did tell the tech blog that the hardware will run Steam titles in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. The Verge also tipped Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, as well as a 500GB hard drive.

Don't get too excited, though. The initial console model will run only Valve's Linux-based Steam OS, not Windows, limiting gamers' library of titles, though Valve has promised more triple-A titles.

When Valve unveiled its Steam Machines and controllers in September, it also announced a high-performance prototype optimized for living-room gaming, with a completely upgradeable and open system. Only 300 of those boxes have been shipped to Steam users for beta testing. Everyone else will have to wait until 2014.

In October, Valve designer Greg Coomer offered a reminder that, because the Steam consoles will be developed by different companies (including iBuyPower), users can expect different hardware and sustainability specs from the original Steam prototype.

Steam Machines are expected make an appearance at CES 2014 in January.

About the Author

Stephanie joined PCMag in May 2012, moving to New York City from Frederick, Md., where she worked for four years as a multimedia reporter at the second-largest daily newspaper in Maryland. She interned at Baltimore magazine and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (in the town of Indiana, in the state of Pennsylvania) with a degree in ... See Full Bio

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